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Best TV Shows of All Time: TV has gifted us with stories so gripping, that they’ve reshaped culture, redefined genres, and made us cancel plans to binge-watch just one more episode. Here’s my fun and definitive list of the best TV shows ever—with juicy plot summaries and FAQs to fuel your next couch marathon.
1. Breaking Bad ( 2008–2013)
- Rating: 9.5 (2.3M votes)
- Tomatometer: 96%
- Years: 2008–2013
- Episodes: 62
Plot:
Meet Walter White, a mild-mannered chemistry teacher who flips the script after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Instead of kicking back, he teams up with his ex-student, Jesse Pinkman, to cook meth. What starts as a desperate attempt to secure his family’s future spirals into an empire of chaos, destruction, and some seriously tense showdowns.
Why Watch?
It’s a rollercoaster of moral dilemmas and unforgettable characters. If you’re into heart-pounding suspense and “how far can he go?” vibes, this one’s for you.
Fan Pick: Watch Ozymandias (Season 5, Episode 14). Trust me—you’ll need a moment to breathe after.
2. The Sopranos ( 1999–2007)
- Rating: 9.2 (504K votes)
- Tomatometer: 92%
- Years: 1999–2007
- Episodes: 86
Plot:
Tony Soprano, mob boss extraordinaire, has problems. Not just family problems, but Family problems. Between managing the mob and dealing with his neurotic relatives, Tony’s stuck in therapy trying to make sense of his anxiety—and, you know, the occasional murder.
Why Watch?
It’s like The Godfather meets Dr. Phil—gritty, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional. Plus, Tony’s ducks (you’ll get it).
Fan Pick: Season 1’s College is TV gold.
3. Game of Thrones ( 2011–2019)
- Rating: 9.2 (2.4M votes)
- Tomatometer: 89%
- Years: 2011–2019
- Episodes: 74
Plot:
Dragons, sword fights, betrayal, and a whole lot of family drama. Westeros is the ultimate chessboard, and everyone’s after the Iron Throne. But winter is coming (and so are the undead).
Why Watch?
Early seasons are pure magic, blending political intrigue, epic battles, and jaw-dropping plot twists. Just… don’t mention that finale.
Fan Pick: The Battle of the Bastards. You’ll want popcorn and a therapist for this one.
4. Band of Brothers (2001)
- Rating: 9.4 (549K votes)
- Tomatometer: 94%
- Year: 2001
- Episodes: 10
Plot:
Follow Easy Company as they navigate the horrors and heroics of WWII. From Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge, this series captures war’s brutality—and the unbreakable bonds forged in the trenches.
Why Watch?
It’s like being in a history class taught by Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Emotional, raw, and deeply human.
Fan Pick: Day of Days. Tears. So many tears.
5. Chernobyl (2019)
- Rating: 9.3 (915K votes)
- Tomatometer: 95%
- Year: 2019
- Episodes: 5
Plot:
What happens when one of the world’s worst man-made disasters meets Soviet bureaucracy? This haunting drama takes you inside the 1986 nuclear meltdown, showcasing heroism, hubris, and heartbreak.
Why Watch?
It’s terrifying because it’s true. You’ll never look at nuclear power the same way again.
Fan Pick: The finale, Vichnaya Pamyat, hits like a ton of radioactive bricks.
6. The Wire ( 2002–2008)
- Rating: 8.9 (681K votes)
- Tomatometer: 95%
- Years: 2002–2008
- Episodes: 60
Plot:
Baltimore’s drug trade is seen from every angle—dealers, cops, politicians, and even the schools. Each season peels back another layer of urban life, showing how systems fail (or trap) people.
Why Watch?
It’s gritty, raw, and feels too real. Each episode is a masterclass in storytelling.
Fan Pick: The opening scene of The Target (Season 1, Episode 1) is pure perfection.
7. Better Call Saul ( 2015–2022)
- Rating: 9.0 (698K votes)
- Tomatometer: 98%
- Years: 2015–2022
- Episodes: 63
Plot:
Before he was Saul Goodman, he was Jimmy McGill—a struggling lawyer with a heart of gold (and a talent for scheming). This Breaking Bad prequel is all about his transformation from a loveable hustler to a morally questionable mastermind.
Why Watch?
It’s a slow burn, but oh, so worth it. Bob Odenkirk’s performance is phenomenal.
Fan Pick: Chicanery is courtroom drama at its finest.
8. Stranger Things ( 2016–2025)
- Rating: 8.7 (1.4M votes)
- Tomatometer: 91%
- Years: 2016–2025
- Episodes: 42
Plot:
Small-town kids, shady government experiments, and a mysterious girl with superpowers. Oh, and a terrifying monster from the “Upside Down.”
Why Watch?
It’s the perfect blend of ’80s nostalgia, sci-fi thrills, and heartwarming friendships.
Fan Pick: The Battle of Starcourt is pure cinematic fun.
9. Friends ( 1994–2004)
- Rating: 8.9 (1.1M votes)
- Tomatometer: 93%
- Years: 1994–2004
- Episodes: 235
Plot:
Six friends navigate life, love, and hilarious hijinks in NYC. From Ross’s “pivot!” moment to Joey’s unforgettable “How you doin’?” catchphrase, it’s the ultimate comfort show.
Why Watch?
It’s funny, heartwarming, and endlessly quotable.
Fan Pick: The One Where Everybody Finds Out.
10. Sherlock ( 2010–2017)
- Rating: 9.1 (1M votes)
- Tomatometer: 83%
- Years: 2010–2017
- Episodes: 15
Plot:
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson solve modern-day mysteries with wit, charm, and Benedict Cumberbatch’s cheekbones.
Why Watch?
Every episode is like a mini-movie with twists that’ll blow your mind.
Fan Pick: A Scandal in Belgravia is pure genius.
Here is the list of Best TV Shows of All Time If Still wondering where to start? Choose the one that suits your taste—whether it’s drama, fantasy, or old-fashioned comedy. The beauty of these Best TV Shows of All Time is that they transcend genres and guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Ready to watch the Best TV Shows of All Time? Begin your binge-watch journey today, and let the unforgettable stories and characters keep you hooked! Whether you’re drawn to intense drama, fantastical worlds, or classic comedy, there’s something here for every taste. So grab your popcorn, get comfy, and dive into the Best TV Shows of All Time. Enjoy the marathon!
So, if you’re looking for the ultimate binge-worthy experience, these are undoubtedly the Best TV Shows of All Time. Happy watching!
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FAQs
Q: Why is Breaking Bad considered the Best TV Show of All Time?
Because it’s a perfect storm of tension, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable performances. Plus, Heisenberg’s hat is iconic.
Q: Is The Sopranos really that groundbreaking?
Absolutely. It paved the way for all the anti-hero dramas we obsess over today.
Q: What’s the deal with Game of Thrones?
It’s epic, it’s brutal, and it gave us dragons. Enough said.
Q: Why does Chernobyl hit so hard?
Because it’s terrifyingly real. The stakes are life and death (and the acting is incredible).
